MS Castor at the Old Harbour in Bogense

MS Castor of Bogense

At the old harbour in Bogense, a large and beautiful wooden ship catches the eye – but what is it doing there?

The MS Castor is a historic wooden vessel that was moved ashore into dry dock in early September 2024.

Castor – in brief

Castor was built in 1936 in Esbjerg at A/S Jensen & Lauridsen Shipyard. For the first decades she worked as a fishing boat in the North Sea. In the 1960s, she was converted into a school ship for young people.

Later, she spent many years sailing with tourists, locals, and charter guests in the Kattegat and the Little Belt.

Castor of Bogense

In 1996, Castor was purchased by a group of local citizens who wanted to bring an excursion boat to the area. She then found her home port at the old harbour in Bogense.

She became a well-known part of summer life in Bogense – offering day trips, themed cruises, and journeys to nearby islands. Many people still associate the ship with memorable experiences on the waters around North Funen.

The fire in 2018 and the rebuild

In September 2018, a fire broke out on board while the ship was docked at Bogense Old Harbour.

The blaze was brought under control, but the damage was severe. A lengthy rebuild was necessary before she was seaworthy again.

The final season and the move to dry dock

The last passenger season was in 2023. To continue sailing, the ship would have needed extensive renovation – which was no longer economically viable.

In March 2024, Castor was sold to a local entrepreneur with the purpose of preserving her as a landmark in the harbour environment.

The relocation in September 2024

On 2 September 2024, Castor was lifted from the harbour basin and placed on land at a new, prominent location beside the Støberiet cultural centre.

The lift was carried out by BMS using Denmark’s largest mobile crane, with divers securing the straps before the ship was hoisted ashore.

How to experience Castor today

You can find Castor at Vestre Havnevej 3, at the old harbour next to Støberiet. Stop by for photos and see the ship from a whole new perspective – on dry land.

Facts about the ship

• Type: fishing galeas, later refitted for passenger and charter sailing
• Length: approx. 52 feet (15.8 m)
• Width: approx. 16 feet (4.9 m)
• Weight: around 40 tonnes
• Draft: about 3 metres
• Passenger capacity: 39 during active service
• Sails: mainsail, mizzen, foresail, and jib
• Year built: 1936
• Shipyard: A/S Jensen & Lauridsen Shipyard, Esbjerg